Pishin: Horrific explosion ripped through an election office in PB-47 constituency of Khanozai in Pishin district, leaving at least 29 people dead and 46 injured.

Levies sources confirmed devastating attack, which targeted election office of former provincial Minister Asfandyar Khan Kakar, who is candidate for this constituency. According to initial reports, eight individuals had lost their lives in blast, while 10 others sustained injuries of varying severity. Later, death toll was revised to 14, with at least 21 injured, as per Levies officials and doctor at Pishin DHQ Hospital.

Rescue teams are diligently working to transport bodies and injured to Pishin DHQ Hospital for immediate medical attention. Pishin Assistant Commissioner said those injured critically will be shifted to Quetta.

Specific target of attack remains unclear at this time. While explosion occurred at election office of Asfandyar Kakar, it’s crucial to investigate whether he was intended target or if attack aimed to disrupt upcoming general elections.

Khanozai Assistant Commissioner told that explosive material was fixed to motorcycle. According to caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai, Levies and police officials had been deployed around blast site. He claimed that blast was an unsuccessful attempt at sabotaging election process in Balochistan, adding that elections will go ahead as planned despite unfortunate incident.

He announced three days of mourning in province on behalf of Balochistan government. Caretaker Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki has condemned Pishin blast and sought report from provincial home department. He has also issued instructions to use all available resources to arrest those responsible, saying such incidents were conspiracy to sabotage peaceful elections.

Levies officials are currently investigating explosion, gathering evidence and piecing together sequence of events. No group has claimed responsibility for attack so far.  Election Commission took notice of blast and sought an immediate report from Balochistan Chief Secretary and police chief. It also ordered authorities to take immediate action against those responsible. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 08 2024

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